I've never been to Dayton. Hearing some of the locals chat about it, and talking to amateurs headed west during drive time on our local repeater, I've decided that my Ham Hajj has got to take place. If not in 2008, definitely 2009.

Now, my wife is not a radio amateur and bores easily. She, alas, does not see the attraction in fiddling with, as she calls them, "boxes that go 'beep'." (I'm working on it, though; I'm trying to talk her into contesting with me. She's competitive, so that's a draw.)

Knowing my desperate need to make the Ultimate Amateur Pilgrimage, she has graciously agreed to accompany me to Dayton. Now I need something for her to do while I'm getting my geek on. We brainstormed a bit about attractive options for her, and the most credible was a nearby hotel that offers spa packages and the like. She can sit in a mud bath with cucumbers on her eyes while I bathe in RF and corndogs. With what I'm sure are many, many more spouses just like her indulging their husbands' lunacy, I cannot but imagine that places like this exist.

Anybody know of a couple of options? Or more ideas of wife-time stuff? Let me know so I can book for next year!

Jeff, I'd *love* to have her come schlepping with me through the booths and fleamarket. She would gladly do so, for a given amount of time. I'm trying to think of something she can enjoy without me, for when she gets bored of boxes that beep and people with little towers and yagis on their hardhats.

I do treasure the time I spend with her, but I am also trying to be mindful of her lack of enthusiasm for the hobby. I don't want her to have a bad time when I'm having a good time, because 1., that stinks for her; and 2., it'll stop me having a good time out of concern for her. So I'd rather have her tell me when she's had enough of the geekiness(*) so I can take her back to the hotel/spa.

Know what I mean?

Bob AB3EI

(*) I mean that in the nicest possible sense. She's an avowed geek, too; we've even played AD&D together! =)

Here's the list of "popular things to do in the Dayton Area" we had handy during talk-in this year. This is only the list of places; the details are elided...

Early Television MuseumAir Force MuseumAviation Trail / Wright Cycle CompanyWright B FlyerWestcott House FoundationThe Citizens Motorcar CompanyAullwood GardenCarriage HillCarillon Historical ParkClifton MillBoonshoft MuseumYellow Springs (the village is worth visiting, but also has some specific sites to visit - Glen Helen, John Bryan State Park, Ye Old tavern, Young's Jersey Dairy)Darke County (there's a BIG KitchenAid presence in Greenville - a huge outlet (I think they call it an "experience store", and I think you can also get a factory tour)Old Tippecanoe City Restoration AreaCox ArboretumOregon Historic District

Thanks, Chris! There are a few things on that list I wouldn't mind visiting myself, given half a chance. =)

More! More! More!

There's got to be at least a *couple* of fellas out there whose wives have said, "You go have fun. I'm going over here and get a mud bath and mssage." If so, ask her what the spa's name was and post it here.

KD4RBG You are exactly correct with your statement and I agree wholeheartedly! However, the original poster has indicated that his wife in no way is interested in making every step with him as yours has with you. This being the case, unless they can find something really appealing to her that can last at least two days,I think my suggestion is the most viable option! Of all the options I saw listed, one word comes to mind, BORING!!! Not to mention how much traffic and aggravation it would be just to commute to these various so called "attractions". My wife has went to several hamfests with me and I immensly enjoyed having her along but she determined it was not her thing and has not been in several years. That is the only reason I made the suggestion that I did. But of course she can go check some of these things out and when she finds none of them are for her, you can implement my suggestion next time.

Copyright 2000-2017 eHam.net, LLC
eHam.net is a community web site for amateur (ham) radio operators around the world.
Contact the site with comments or questions.
WEBMASTER@EHAM.NETSite Privacy Statement